Root canal therapy is the most reliable way to save a severely infected tooth and stop pain at the source. If your dentist has recommended one, it means the pulp inside your tooth is inflamed or infected and needs to be removed before the damage spreads. The procedure is routine, predictable, and far less uncomfortable than most patients expect.
At Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry in Summerlin, Las Vegas, we perform root canals in a calm, judgment-free environment. Drs. Robert Chin and Jessica Pharar specialize in treating high-anxiety patients and medically complex cases. Sedation dentistry is available when you want it. Call (702) 445-7075 or request an appointment online.
What Is Root Canal Therapy and Why Is It Necessary?
Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth to stop infection, eliminate pain, and preserve the natural tooth. Once a mature tooth is fully developed it can survive without its pulp because surrounding bone and tissue continue to nourish it.
A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp is infected or inflamed due to:
- Severe or deep decay reaching the pulp chamber
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- Trauma to the tooth, even without a visible break
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- A faulty crown that allowed bacteria inside
Left untreated, pulp infection spreads — causing abscesses, bone loss around the root tip, and eventually tooth loss. Early treatment preserves more tooth structure and simplifies the procedure.
Your Las Vegas Root Canal Providers
Dr. Chin completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center (Eastman Institute), where he trained in a Level I trauma hospital alongside oral surgeons and specialists. He focuses on adults with complex and special-needs cases, routinely performing root canal therapy for patients who have been told treatment will be difficult elsewhere.
Read his full bio
Dr. Pharar completed advanced restorative training at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and served patients at the Sammons Cancer Center, where she provided root canal and restorative care for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Her focus is on preserving natural teeth for patients with systemic health considerations.
Read her full bioFlexible Payment Plans Available
Comprehensive dental treatments with flexible financing options to make quality care affordable for everyone.
Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain that does not resolve on its own
- Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold after the source is removed
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swollen, tender, or pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
- Pain when biting, chewing, or applying pressure
- Tooth diagnosed with deep decay, abscess, or pulp exposure on X-ray
- Cracked or fractured tooth with exposed inner layers
- Tooth that has been injured even without visible damage
If you have one or more of these symptoms, contact our office at (702) 445-7075. Most patients are seen within 24–48 hours. Early treatment means less damage, a simpler procedure, and lower cost.
The Root Canal Procedure Step by Step
Understanding what happens during treatment removes most of the fear. A root canal at Drs. Chin & Pharar typically takes one visit of 60 to 90 minutes. For complex cases or teeth with multiple canals, a second visit may be scheduled. Here is the sequence:
1. Exam and Imaging
We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays. In complex cases we may use 3D cone-beam imaging (CBCT) to map root anatomy precisely, especially for teeth with extra or curved canals. This step determines the scope of treatment before we start.
2. Local Anesthesia and Comfort Options
We numb the tooth and surrounding tissue with local anesthesia. For patients with dental anxiety, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation medication is available at this practice. Most patients report the procedure feels no different from getting a filling. Visit our sedation dentistry page for details on those options.
3. Accessing and Cleaning the Pulp
We create a small opening in the crown of the tooth. Using fine instruments, we remove the infected or damaged pulp, then clean and shape the root canals to eliminate bacteria and prepare them for sealing.
4. Sealing the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber-like material that seals the space and blocks reinfection. A temporary or permanent filling closes the access opening.
5. Crown Placement
Most teeth treated with a root canal need a crown to restore full function and protect against fracture. At Drs. Chin & Pharar, we use CEREC same-day crown technology to mill a ceramic crown in-office during the same visit in many cases, eliminating a second appointment and a temporary crown.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
Root canal therapy typically ranges from $700 to $1,400 depending on which tooth is treated and the complexity of the root system. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of endodontic treatment. We accept Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Humana, Anthem BCBS, United Concordia, Teacher’s Health Trust, and Diversified Dental Services. Patients without insurance can use our in-house membership plan or finance through Alphaeon or CareCredit. See our insurance and financing page for details.
Recovery After Root Canal Therapy
Most patients return to normal activity the same day or the next day. Mild soreness for 2 to 4 days is common and manageable with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. Brush and floss normally. A tooth restored with a root canal and crown can last a lifetime with routine care. Contact us if you experience severe swelling, worsening pain after 72 hours, or a crown that feels loose.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After
Before
Eat a full meal before your appointment if you are using sedation. Arrange a ride home if taking oral sedation medication. Avoid aspirin or blood-thinning supplements unless your physician has directed otherwise. Bring a list of current medications so we can coordinate safely.
During
You will be fully numb before we begin. The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain. Nitrous oxide or oral sedation is available if you want extra comfort. Most patients are surprised at how straightforward it feels.
After
Numbness fades within a few hours. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed if you feel soreness. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your crown is placed. Return for your crown appointment within 2 to 4 weeks. The restored tooth should feel and function like the rest of your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canal Treatment in Las Vegas, NV
Is a root canal painful?
Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to getting a filling. The tooth and surrounding tissue are fully numbed before the procedure begins. Any soreness afterward typically resolves within 2 to 4 days and is managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The fear around root canals is largely tied to older techniques. Modern equipment and anesthesia have made this a routine, comfortable procedure for the majority of patients.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include a persistent toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the source is removed, tooth discoloration, swollen gums, or a bump on the gum near the painful tooth. An X-ray is the only way to confirm pulp infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us at (702) 445-7075 for an evaluation. Do not wait — an untreated abscess can spread and require extraction.
What happens if I skip the root canal?
Without treatment, the infection in the pulp continues to spread. This leads to a dental abscess, bone loss around the root, and eventually tooth loss. Infected pulp cannot heal on its own. Antibiotics can temporarily reduce swelling but do not eliminate the source of infection. Extraction is the only alternative to root canal therapy, and replacing a natural tooth with an implant or bridge costs significantly more than treating it.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals at our Summerlin office are completed in a single appointment of 60 to 90 minutes. Complex cases — such as a molar with three or four canals, or a tooth with curved roots — may require a second visit to complete the cleaning and sealing. We let you know the expected scope at the exam appointment before treatment begins.
Can a tooth with a root canal get infected again?
Reinfection is uncommon but possible if the crown fails, a new cavity forms, or a canal was missed during the original procedure. Signs of reinfection are similar to the original symptoms: pain, swelling, or a pimple on the gum. If this happens, retreatment can often save the tooth again. Contact our office promptly if you notice these symptoms in a previously treated tooth.
Do you offer sedation for root canals in Las Vegas?
Yes. Drs. Chin & Pharar offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation medication for patients who experience dental anxiety or who prefer a more relaxed experience. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes so you can drive afterward. Oral sedation requires a ride home. Both options are available for root canal procedures at our Summerlin office.
Does insurance cover root canal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal therapy, typically 50% to 80% after your deductible, depending on your plan. We are in-network with Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Humana, Anthem BCBS, United Concordia, Teacher's Health Trust, and Diversified Dental Services. Patients without insurance can use our in-house membership plan or finance through Alphaeon or CareCredit.
Can Drs. Chin and Pharar treat patients with medical conditions or special needs?
Yes. This practice specifically focuses on medically complex patients, including those managing diabetes, heart conditions, blood thinners, immune suppression, cancer treatment, and patients with physical or cognitive special needs. Dr. Chin completed a hospital-based residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center, which trained him to coordinate care with physicians and adapt procedures for patients other practices may decline. See our special needs dentistry page for more information.
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team at Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry
At Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry, we understand the anxiety many patients feel about root canal treatment. Our community-based, empathetic approach focuses on creating a comfortable experience while delivering exceptional dental care. We specialize in treating medically complex cases and high-anxiety patients, offering sedation options when needed to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Our team has extensive experience helping patients maintain optimal oral health, including those undergoing cancer treatment who require special dental care. We’re committed to providing personalized treatment plans addressing your unique needs and concerns. For more information about root canal treatment or to schedule an appointment, call us at (702) 445-7075 or visit our contact form.
